l only really had a reason to explore hackers just now. I've always associated hackers with
being motivated by financial gain, but that's not always the case. While this blog's primary focus will be on modern-day philosophers that challenge rules, empower people, and believe in sharing knowledge, it's essential firstly to chat briefly about the different types of hackers.
Hacking refers to activities that seek to compromise digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and even entire networks. They are a product of internet culture who must use the internet for activities.
Ethical Hacker (White hat):
A security hacker who fixes identified weaknesses through accessing systems. They work to improve cybersecurity by helping organisations fix these vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.
Cracker (Black hat):
The "bad guys" of the hacking world. This group engaged in malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive data, spreading malware, and causing damage to computer systems. Their motivations include financial gain, personal satisfaction, or simply causing chaos.
Grey hat: A hacker who is in between ethical and black hat hackers. They break into computer systems without the authority to identify weaknesses and reveal them to the system owner. A great example is security expert Khalil Shreateh, who used a Facebook glitch to post to Mark Zuckerberg's wall after the site's security team refused to heed his warnings about the vulnerability.
Red hat:
Red hat hackers are similar to policing agents on the internet. They actively search for black hat hackers and shut them down. Whenever they find one, they don’t report the hacker to the authorities but take matters into their own hands. A red hat hacker will hack the would-be attackers’ computers and halt their malicious activities.
Hacktivist:
Hackers use hacking to send social, religious, political, etc. messages. This is usually done by hijacking websites and leaving a message on the hijacked website. I'll discuss this topic later in the blog by giving you a glimpse into the world of activist group Anonymous.
Script kiddies:
A non-skilled person who gains access to computer systems using already-made tools.
The Hacktivists: Origins and Philosophy
Anonymous is a well-known hacktivist collective that has gained significant attention for its actions in the digital realm promoting social and political causes. Starting as an internet subculture sharing images of funny cats and internet trolling campaigns from online communities like 4chan. The group's philosophy promotes freedom of information, fighting against censorship, and challenging perceived injustices, and it is now one of the world's most prominent hacking collectives. Members often use the Guy Fawkes mask from the graphic novel "V for Vendetta" in videos and imagery to visually represent their cause.
Some Targets of Anonymous: A Diverse Range of Activism and Action
1. The Church of Scientology
Their moment of transformation was in early 2008 when the church of Scientology attempted to remove leaked videos from appearing on certain websites.
It claimed the church engaged in censorship and unethical behaviour. They took a stand by organising protests and flooding its servers with fake data requests, describing the attacks as punishment for the Church's alleged abuse of copyright laws and apparent brainwashing of its members.
2. Sony
In 2011, Anonymous targeted Sony in response to the legal action taken against a hacker who had breached the PlayStation Network. The group claimed Sony's efforts were heavy-handed and violated individual freedoms.
3. Various Hate Groups
Anonymous has targeted online hate groups and individuals who promote racism, homophobia, and other forms of hate speech. On August 13, 2012, tensions were rising in Uganda as the country's laws were increasingly intolerant of LGBT issues. Anonymous defaced two Ugandan government sites in protest.
4. Political Movement and Events: Arab Spring
During the Arab Spring uprisings, Anonymous supported protests in countries like Tunisia and Egypt, aiming to promote freedom of information and democracy.
5. Public Figures: Donald Thump
In 2015, President Donald Trump was targeted mainly because of actions they disagreed with.
They used a term called doxing, where they put on personal information that everyone can access.
Conclusion
While Anonymous can be labelled a force for good, its impact on digital activism has made it a subject of interest and debate worldwide. Evaluations of the group's actions and effectiveness vary widely. Supporters have called the group "freedom fighters" and digital Robin Hoods, while critics have described them as "a cyber lynch-mob" or "cyber terrorists".
It exists because they believe they are protecting the internet. They believe in the internet and anyone that challenges that will be taken on.
Barnaby Jack, a renowned security researcher, once said, “Sometimes you have to demo a threat to spark a solution.” This statement speaks to the idea that sometimes it takes a demonstration of a problem to inspire action and create a solution.
Anonymous are like a digital version of philosophers from the past, guiding us through a world where technology and ideas come together.
Bibliography
Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/8-things-that-anonymous-the-hacker-terrorist-group-has-done-for-good/slidelist/21149862.cms)
Anderson (https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/04/anonymous-attacks-sony-to-protest-ps3-hacker-lawsuit/)
Incognito (https://ifflab.org/6-types-of-hackers/)
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